Lathrop Municipal Code Ch. 9.05 Public Urination and Defecation

The purpose of this chapter is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by prohibiting the act of urinating or defecating in public spaces. The City of Lathrop seeks to maintain clean and sanitary public environments for all residents, visitors, and businesses.

(Ord. 25-467, 6/9/2025)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definition shall apply:

"Public place"

means any street, sidewalk, park, alley, public parking lot, public building, public transportation facility, or any other area generally accessible to the public, whether publicly or privately owned.

(Ord. 25-467, 6/9/2025)

It is unlawful and a public nuisance for a person to intentionally urinate or defecate in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public.

(Ord. 25-467, 6/9/2025)

Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.16.010. In addition to the remedies set forth in Penal Code Section 370, the city attorney may institute civil actions to abate a public nuisance under this chapter.

(Ord. 25-467, 6/9/2025)